Sound operator
Encyclopedia
The sound operator is the person responsible for the overall and total execution of all sound-related aspects of a theatrical performance. This job may include operating a mixing console
and sound reinforcement system
, as well as co-ordinating sound effects and mixing microphone
s. The sound operator
reports to the sound designer, stage manager, and technical director
.
The specific duties of the position vary from one production to another, but a sound board operator is generally required to know how to use the various playback media (decks) that pre-recorded sound cues will play from, the sound console that controls the levels and individual channel EQ
settings, as well as other sound-related devices, such as graphic equalizers, and various other effects processors. More often than in the case of other theatrical designers, a sound designer may be expected to serve the function of board operator. Since sound execution relies heavily on variables that may change from one performance and the next even within a given production (i.e. the volume at which an actor
speaks), sound board operators must be extremely familiar with the sound designer's intentions.
Aside from the specifics of the show, the sound board operator must also be familiar with the house sound system at the venue they're working for, as they are often called upon to make repairs and adjustments to the system as required.
As per IATSE bylaws, the sound department is a subset of the electrics department. Any person in the sound department is technically hired as an electrician for a union contract and will also report to the master electrician
. It is not uncommon in smaller theatres and for productions requiring relatively little audio support, the role of sound operator may be assigned to someone else such as an electrician or assistant stage manager.
In touring theatre, the sound operator is responsible for getting the sound system installed and running, and smoothly integrated with the venue and any of the local equipment. This often includes backstage and front-of-house intercom, video monitors and cameras, auxiliary speakers (under the balcony or in the lobby), backstage and dressing room audio monitors, public address microphones and assistive listening devices.
In larger productions, the sound operator is typically assisted by one or more A2
s.
The title "Sound Operator" is often reserved for plays, speeches, presentations and other productions requiring little skill in the audio department on a relatively simple audio system. For larger, musical productions with many actors, musicians, microphones and/or other inputs, the term "audio engineer" is appropriate. These productions require greater skill due to the larger scale of the system being used as well as a more acute hearing being required to generate (or "engineer") a quality audio mix. Calling a "sound engineer" a "sound operator" is often taken as an insult by the engineer.
Mixing console
In professional audio, a mixing console, or audio mixer, also called a sound board, mixing desk, or mixer is an electronic device for combining , routing, and changing the level, timbre and/or dynamics of audio signals. A mixer can mix analog or digital signals, depending on the type of mixer...
and sound reinforcement system
Sound reinforcement system
A sound reinforcement system is the combination of microphones, signal processors, amplifiers, and loudspeakers that makes live or pre-recorded sounds louder and may also distribute those sounds to a larger or more distant audience...
, as well as co-ordinating sound effects and mixing microphone
Microphone
A microphone is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. In 1877, Emile Berliner invented the first microphone used as a telephone voice transmitter...
s. The sound operator
Operator (profession)
An operator is a professional designation used in various industries, including broadcasting , computing, customer service, physics, and construction. Operators are day-to-day end users of systems, that may or may not be mission-critical, but are typically managed and maintained by technicians or...
reports to the sound designer, stage manager, and technical director
Technical director
The Technical Director or Technical Manager is usually a senior technical person within a software company, film studio, theatrical company or television studio...
.
The specific duties of the position vary from one production to another, but a sound board operator is generally required to know how to use the various playback media (decks) that pre-recorded sound cues will play from, the sound console that controls the levels and individual channel EQ
EQ
EQ may refer to:* Earthquake* Eça de Queiroz, a realistic and critical Portuguese writer* Embarq , a local exchange carrier in the United States* Emotional quotient, a psychological measure...
settings, as well as other sound-related devices, such as graphic equalizers, and various other effects processors. More often than in the case of other theatrical designers, a sound designer may be expected to serve the function of board operator. Since sound execution relies heavily on variables that may change from one performance and the next even within a given production (i.e. the volume at which an actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
speaks), sound board operators must be extremely familiar with the sound designer's intentions.
Aside from the specifics of the show, the sound board operator must also be familiar with the house sound system at the venue they're working for, as they are often called upon to make repairs and adjustments to the system as required.
As per IATSE bylaws, the sound department is a subset of the electrics department. Any person in the sound department is technically hired as an electrician for a union contract and will also report to the master electrician
Master electrician
The Master Electrician in a theatre is responsible for implementing the lighting design for a production drawn up by the Lighting designer. This involves overseeing the preparation, hanging, connection and focusing of stage lighting fixtures.This can be done on a show by show basis, or as a...
. It is not uncommon in smaller theatres and for productions requiring relatively little audio support, the role of sound operator may be assigned to someone else such as an electrician or assistant stage manager.
In touring theatre, the sound operator is responsible for getting the sound system installed and running, and smoothly integrated with the venue and any of the local equipment. This often includes backstage and front-of-house intercom, video monitors and cameras, auxiliary speakers (under the balcony or in the lobby), backstage and dressing room audio monitors, public address microphones and assistive listening devices.
In larger productions, the sound operator is typically assisted by one or more A2
A2 (theater)
A2 is an abbreviation for Audio Assistant, Second Audio Assistant, or Second Assistant Audio Engineer. Any of these three terms, or any similar term such as Mic Wrangler, may be used to describe the same set of duties....
s.
The title "Sound Operator" is often reserved for plays, speeches, presentations and other productions requiring little skill in the audio department on a relatively simple audio system. For larger, musical productions with many actors, musicians, microphones and/or other inputs, the term "audio engineer" is appropriate. These productions require greater skill due to the larger scale of the system being used as well as a more acute hearing being required to generate (or "engineer") a quality audio mix. Calling a "sound engineer" a "sound operator" is often taken as an insult by the engineer.
See also
- StagehandStagehandA stagehand is a person who works backstage or behind the scenes in theatres, film, television, or location performance. Their duties include setting up the scenery, lights, sound, props, rigging, and special effects for a production.-Types of stagehand:...
- A2 (theater)A2 (theater)A2 is an abbreviation for Audio Assistant, Second Audio Assistant, or Second Assistant Audio Engineer. Any of these three terms, or any similar term such as Mic Wrangler, may be used to describe the same set of duties....
- A2 (remote television production)A2 (remote television production)In outside broadcasting using a remote television crew, an A2 is a person responsible for placement and interconnection of audio devices, such as microphones and intercom, from the Television Production truck to the venue...
- Running crewRunning crewRunning crew or run crew, is a collective term used in theatre to describe the members of the technical crew who supervise and operate the various technical aspects of the production during a performance...
- Sound designer
- Television crewTelevision crewTelevision crew positions are derived from those of film crew, but with several differences.-Pre-production:-Casting Director:-Costume designer:-Director:* Associate Director -Location Manager:-Make-up artist:...